The Jebal Shams ChallengeApril 19-21, 2018

The Jebal Shams Challenge: Whether you're a beginner and would like to experience the beauty of nature at your own pace, or a competitive spirit who aims for summits and tough hikes, this is a fun experience for all. This is a chance for people of all ages and fitness levels to walk up Jebal Shams at their own speed with the presence of qualified Husaak guides.

Jebal Shams is the highest peak in the Arabian Gulf and is well maintained, marked and considered one of the safest treks in the area. Join us and have fun with other adventure seekers and hiking enthusiasts. The challenge is to reach the summit and hike back down safely. $10,000 US Dollars in prize money will be awarded to the winners from different categories. The hike will be roughly 10 KM uphill and 10 KM downhill.

We’re also introducing a family and kids challenge this year with 5 KM up and 5 KM down making the Challenge accessible to everyone!

CHALLENGE RULES (GENERAL)

All participants should stay on course and check-in at EVERY GUIDE STATION for safety – Guide stations will at least have 1 guide at all times.

Participant’s number will be recorded every time they pass by a guide station.

First male/female to arrive to the summit will be qualified for the cash prize each (Prizes may be expanded to top 3 depending on sponsorship).

For the winners to qualify for the cash prizes, they must have their number checked-in at every guide station up to make sure they stayed on the approved hike path.

Station #5 is the end point for Family & Kids category located 5 KM from the start point and will have extra water – Snacks where people can rest.

No participants below 16 years old can pass Station 5 point.

At the cut off time, you will be asked to turn around regardless of where you are.

As the guide closes his station and go to the next station down, they will sweep all participants on the trail back to the lower station.

Evacuation will only be available for people with serious medical conditions and not for “I’m too tired” participants.

Each participant will be provided with trash bag as part of your welcome package – PLEASE COLLECT YOUR TRASH WITH YOU.

LOUD Music not allowed on the trail – If you want to listen to loud music bring your headphones.

What do you need to bring?

Essentials:

ANKLE SUPPORT HIKING BOOT (Mandatory)

SLEEPING BAG (ONLY FOR BASIC TICKET HOLDERS)

MATTRESS (Optional FOR BASIC TICKET HOLDERS)

HEADLIGHTS with extra batteries

HIKING POLES (X1)

HAT

THERMAL UNDERWEAR (ITS COLD AT NIGHT)

Heavy Jacket (For winter season)

THICK SOCKS

Nice to have:

Sunglasses

Sun screen

Camera

Bandana

Cameras/phone charger

Towel

Pair of sandals or walking shoes for the camp

External chargers

Light rain jacket

Thermals (it gets cold at night)

Jacket/Sweaters/Fleece

What will you carry during the challenge?

We will provide:

Husaak Backpack

Challenge T-shirt

Sandwich bag for the challenge

2 Large bottle of waters (Mandatory to carry).

2 snacks and fruits.

Map of the challenge and emergency contacts.

Challenge Medal (Upon completion)

What you need to put inside the bag (Not provided)?

A light jacket

Headlights with extra batteries

Any other personal items

Schedule

Thursday:

12:00 PM: 1st Bus leaving Husaak Center– ETA Jebal Shams at 4 PM

01:30 PM: 2nd Bus leaving Husaak Center - ETA Jebal Shams at 5:30 PM

03:00 PM: 3rd Bus leaving Husaak Center - ETA Jebal Shams at 7 PM

04:30 PM: 4th bus leaving Husaak Center – ETA Jebal Shams at 8:30 PM

06:00 PM: 5th Bus leaving Husaak Center - ETA Jebal Shams at 10 PM

08:00 PM: 6th Bus leaving Husaak Center - ETA Jebal Shams at 12 AM*

(Participants on the last bus will not be served dinner in the resort and will have to get their own dinner from airport/Muscat)

NOTE 1: Welcome/Registration/orientation for participants by Husaak & resort team upon arrival at the resort.

NOTE 2: 07:00 PM Dinner will be served in the resort.

NOTE 3: There is no arranged transportation out of Muscat after the 8 PM bus. Participants can arrange for their own transportation as long as they are at the meeting point in Jebal Shams before Friday the 28th at 6:30 AM sharp start.

Friday:

05:00 AM: Wake participants up – Quick breakfast

06:00 AM: At the start line – Warm up & Welcome speech by Ali

06:30 AM: Start of the race

03:00 PM to 04:00 PM reaching back to the camp.

4 PM Speech by Keynote speaker (TBA)

4:30 to 7 PM live inspirational speakers sessions around the camp fire

07:00 PM Grilled meals will be served starting at 6 PM

Fire, music, hot chocolate, tea, will be served by the fire.

Saturday:

07:00 AM- 09:00 AM breakfast

9 AM Check out/Pack

At 9:00 AM Vehicles will leave in batches of 100 people at a time with 1 hour & 30 minutes between each batch so enjoy Jebal Shams resort and bring a book to read or a camera to take photos

Expected arrival time depend on which batch you are on, between 2 PM to 5 PM on Saturday